Brocket Hall

As a high handicap golfer I found this course extremely difficult. The first hole had a steep drop towards a large lake - so very little margin for error.

Steep, undulating fairways on most holes with four lakes to get over on the way. I found it extremely difficult, but the sheer beauty of the course made up for any heartache along the way.

The course is breathtaking and if you like a challenge, this course is the one for you! I'd certainly play it again!

Three things you need at Brocket hall:
Your game to be at its best
The weather to be perfect
A lot of luck!

Brocket is just amazing, but if you have never played it before, then be prepared for a high score. There's hardly a flat fairway, all ball above or below feet. The greens have more undulations than Camber sands.
The day I played it it was cold and blowing a gale, not the best day for Brocket, I was not feeling super strong either. If your not up to it this course will kill you.
Fabulous surrounds, meal was a little disappointing, but I only paid £40 for the package.
A must for all golfers, but I shall leave it a while before I return on hopefully a still warm day!

Brocket Hall sits among 540 acres of scenic Hertfordshire countryside, with thousands of mature trees.....and two fabulous golf courses named after Prime Ministers who once resided here.
I always consider it a privilege to be able to play here and very good value as a member's guest.
We usually play The Palmerston Course (see previous review) but today (Mon 16.04) it's The Melbourne...and, despite my protests, JP tells me we're playing off the 'whites'!
Our tee time was booked for 11.30, as any day here has to begin with coffee on the terrace - to take in the tranquil surroundings, followed by a warm up/practice session on the range and use of the comprehensive short game area. Excellent facilities here to take advantage of!
However, a lengthy delay on the M25 meant that we didn't arrive as early as planned...."No problem" said the friendly Pro shop assistant, "there's no-one else going out for another two hours"....so this really was to be 'Millionaire's Golf'!
The Melbourne Course has a difficult opening hole. Not long at only 330yds even off whites, but follows the bend of The River Lea to the right, with the fairway having a severe left to right slope to take your ball towards water. A narrow green with water alongside leaves an intimidating approach from a 'hanging' lie. After negotiating the second (191yd Par 3 over the river) heart rate settles down for a while until the second shot to the 465yd Par 4 (!) fourth - again over the river. The round then becomes far more relaxed and the surroundings can be truly appreciated, but the problems with lack of rainfall are evident as the greens are extremely hard and fast, so putting is really a lottery. Some tee boxes show signs of wear but the course is in good shape and provides a true test of your game.
The white tees add over 400yds, but give you an uphill 471yd Par 4 and a 221yd Par 3, with greens that today will not accept anything more than a short iron.
You play across the water twice more, looking forward to the ferry crossing on the last, from where we watched the heron patiently awaiting his dinner...if only he could be trained to collect golf balls?!!
I would thoroughly recommend Brocket Hall to anyone, but unless you're a long-hitting low handicapper, it really is madness off the whites!!

I have had the pleasure of playing Brocket Hall a number of times in a previous life but played the 'The Melbourne' again a few weeks back and thought I should let you all know the course was in fantastic condition! More one for the mid to low handicapers but I dont think you will find a better setting than this anywhere else so close to London. Last thing to mention; the ferry on the 18th fairway that takes you across the lake/river to the green....a great way to end the round - unless of course you drop a few in the water like I did! As Pete says, expensive but if you get the chance to play with a member - bite their hand off!

BOTH COURSES ARE A GOOD TEST OF GOLF. AND IN GREAT CONDITION.